BGC calls on technology platforms to act against the growing illegal gambling black market
Illegal operators now account for almost half of Britain’s gambling advertising spend, with black market stakes forecast to nearly double to £33bn (US$44.2bn) by 2028.
UK.- The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the UK gambling sector lobby group, has urged Britain’s major technology platforms to take urgent action to remove illegal gambling advertising and disrupt black market operators targeting British consumers.
In an open letter published on June 12, the BGC warned that illegal operators are using social media, search engines, messaging services and digital advertising networks to reach self-excluded and vulnerable consumers in the UK. The letter noted that unlicensed operators “are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, do not carry out customer protection measures, do not contribute to research, prevention and treatment services through the statutory levy, and do not pay UK tax.”
According to analysis by WARC cited in the letter, illegal operators now account for almost half of all gambling advertising spend in Britain and could overtake the regulated sector entirely by 2028. Separate analysis by H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that black market stakes could grow from £17bn (US$22.8bn) today to £33bn (US$44.2bn) by 2028.
The letter also referenced comments made earlier this year by Tim Miller, executive director of the Gambling Commission, who highlighted the continued presence of illegal gambling advertising online, including promotions for so-called “not on GamStop” operators.
Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the BGC, said: “Every day, illegal gambling operators use social media, search engines, messaging services and digital advertising networks to reach people in Britain. They target consumers who have self-excluded from gambling. They target vulnerable people. They target those who are looking for help and support. And too often, they do so in plain sight.
“The regulated betting and gaming industry, regulators, law enforcement and technology companies all have a role to play. None of us can solve this challenge alone.
“The black market is growing. The threat is real. The consumers at risk are real. And the time for action is now. We stand ready to work with every platform willing to help protect consumers, disrupt illegal operators and ensure the online ecosystem is not used as a gateway to gambling harm. The question is simple. Will you join us?”
